Choosing a Duke Ellington album or compilation for dancers
Duke Ellington - Blanton-Webster Band or Early Ellington
On the Mura Dehn dance documentary “the Spirit Moves” - a must-see for any Lindy Hop, Charleston or Blues dancer interested in the roots of the dance - you can hear Black and Tan Fantasy, The Mooche, Creole Rhapsody and East St.Louis Toodle-O layered over the dancing. Despite the low sound quality, early Ellington recordings are worth listening to, especially the cuts with jazz trumpet growler Bubber Miley.
For dancing the Lindy Hop, go for The Blanton-Webster Band, a 3-disc album spanning 1939-1942 with the complete recordings of Ellington’s orchestra with bassist Jimmy Blanton and tenor saxophonist Ben Webster. Some of Ellington’s best compositions can be found on this set, such as Harlem Air-Shaft, played by the band at the Invitational Jack and Jill at ULHS 2005. Other masterpieces include In A Mellow Tone, Main Stem and Cotton Tail.
August 21st, 2007 at 2:28 pm
Good suggestion Alain. Also interesting is the breadth and variety of jazz that Ellington created throughout his extensively long career. Split into a variety of styles from traditional jazz pieces, to works showcasing a particular band member, to long suites and orchestral arrangements. He is definitely one of the most refined and influential composers of the 20th century.
One of my personal favorite collections is Duke’s Men: Small Groups.